DEVIL’S CLAW: 
Devil’s Claw, translated from the German “Teufelskralle,” is aptly names. This plant is indigenous to South Africa, this plant has fruits covered with hooks or barbs that are super painful for any animal that happens to be caught up in them. But it’s not the barbs that are of interest to the herbalist. The secondary roots of Devil’s Claw contain active ingredients that have been shown to reduce the inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism.
Besides inflammatory joint issues, Devil’s Claw has historically also been used to treat a variety of conditions:
- Kidney/Bladder
- allergies
- gastrointestinal
- menstrual
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
Peeps suffering from joint inflammation should certainly include Devil’s Claw in their arsenal of remedies. Although it is not effective for everyone, lets face it nothing works for each person as we are all unique in our own physical way, but those who have found benefit find almost miraculous relief, less inflammation, less pain and increased mobility. Since it is considered almost completely NONTOXIC, it’s well worth a try!
Physicians in Europe are injecting devil’s claw extract directly into arthritic joints, where it acts much like cortisone in terms of reducing inflammation.
SERUM CHOLESTEROL and URIC ACID LEVELS:
Other benefits that have been revealed from the use of Devil’s Claw is reduced serum cholesterol levels and reduced uric acid levels, which may be helpful for folks suffering with GOUT. It qualifies as a digestive bitter which assists the body in dissolving painful collection of Uric Acid which contributes to pain and inflammation in the joints.
If you are already using other natural remedies for inflammation related issues like:
- glucosamine/chondroitin
- N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG)
- Omega-3 and Omega-6
- flaxseed oil
- Salmon oil
- Evening Primrose oil
I’d highly recommend incorporating some Devil’s Claw into your nutritional routine.
Remember, herbs, essential fatty acids and other nutrients should be part of a holistic health program that also includes nutritional changes, exercise and relaxation techniques to combat stressors which also contribute to increased inflammatory stimulation in the body.
Healthfully yours,
Jodi Barnett N.D.
Harvested Health LLC
http://www.mkt.com/harvested-health-llc
http://www.harvestedhealth.mynsp.com (high quality herbs & supplements)
References and Suggested Reading:
- Murray, Michael and Joseph Pizzomo. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 1991, Prima Publishing.
- Mowrey, Daniel B. Herbal Tonic Therapies, 1993. Keats Publishing.
- Weiss, Rudolf Fritz. Herbal Medicne. 1994. AB Arcanum. Gothernburg, Sweden. Beaconsfield Publishers, Beaconsfield. England.
- Tyler, Varro E. The Honest Herbal: a Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 1993. 3rd Edition. Pharmaceutical Products Press.
- Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Grugs and Preparations, 1988. C.W. Daniel.
Harvested Health LLC. 